Types of Foreskin Retraction Problems

The foreskin generally causes no problems. However, overzealous retraction can cause it to get stuck behind the glans (head of the penis) and cause severe pain and swelling. This is called paraphimosis.

If retraction is forceful, it can cause a small cut with minimal bleeding and pain.

Occasionally, the space under the foreskin becomes infected probably from a break in the skin caused by excessive retraction.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Parent Care at Home If

Purple head of the penis and healthy child (Reason: this is a normal variation)

Foreskin retraction, questions about

Smegma, questions about

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Perform retraction by gently pulling the skin on the shaft of the penis backward toward the abdomen.

This will make the foreskin open up, revealing the end of the glans.

Cleansing After Age 1 Year:

As the foreskin becomes retractable on its own, cleanse beneath it to prevent infections.

Cleanse the exposed part of the glans gently with warm water and dry it.

Do not use soap or leave soapy water under the foreskin, because this can cause irritation and swelling.

Wipe away any whitish material (smegma) that you find there.

Reposition: After cleansing, always pull the foreskin forward to its normal position.

Avoid Vigorous Retraction:

This can cause pain, bleeding, or tears of the tissue.

It also may cause the foreskin to become stuck behind the head of the penis (paraphimosis).

Retraction is excessive if it causes any discomfort or crying.

Teach Child: By age 5 or 6, teach your son to retract his own foreskin and clean beneath it once a week during bathing to prevent poor hygiene and infection.

Pain Following Recent Attempt at Retraction:

The attempt to retract the foreskin has probably caused a small cut or tear. Raw surfaces are painful.

Cover the raw area with a layer of antibiotic ointment.

If you don't have one, use petroleum jelly.

Once the raw surface is protected from the air, the pain should improve in a few hours.

Continue twice a day until healed (usually 1 or 2 days).

Call Your Doctor If:

Pain lasts over 24 hours

Foreskin looks infected

Other foreskin problems occur

Advice for Smegma Questions

Smegma - General Information:

Smegma is the name given to the small pieces of whitish material that can build up under the foreskin if it is not pulled back and cleaned regularly. It is also commonly seen through the part of the foreskin that is still stuck to the head of the penis before the foreskin becomes retractable.

Smegma is the accumulation of dead skin cells that are normally shed from the glans (head of the penis) and lining of the foreskin throughout life, and trapped under the foreskin.

Smegma is normal and harmless. It is not a sign of an infection.

Smegma Before Age 1 Year:

Smegma that is seen through the foreskin but lies beyond the level to which the foreskin can be retracted, should be left alone until normal separation exposes it.

During the first year of life, do not make any attempts at retracting the foreskin.

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.

Photos

Pubic Lice

Copyright: From the CDC's Public Health Image Library (http://phil.cdc.gov). ID#4078, in the public domain.

Content Providers: CDC/ Joe Miller.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For more information, click here.